Pursuing My Passion
By Annabel Muniz
Fiber Artist and Jewelry Maker
Using my hands to create something with simply a needle and thread became my therapy when I picked up hand embroidery in 2015. I had been unemployed for a few months after having worked at a customer service call center for four years and I was in somewhat of a life crisis. I graduated from university in 2010 and felt unfulfilled at my job, so I left. I haven't stopped stitching since then, as I continue to come up with designs and make my embroidery work into functional art. I picked up a form of embroidery as a teen, and remember my mom buying some old blue ink cross stitch patterns and with her help, I learned simple stitches. In 2019, I set my mind to share my art with the world.
Opening my Etsy shop at the beginning of 2019 was a major milestone for me as a handmade artist. After mailing out several pieces across the United States, I just love knowing that my art is being displayed and appreciated by other people. I began to dabble in other forms of fiber arts throughout the year. I quickly realized I love working with any fibers and textiles to create functional art pieces. Nowadays I experiment with hand embroidery, macrame, and loom weaving. What inspires my creative work is living in the great state of Texas, desert-scapes, and my Mexican heritage.
The functionality of my art ranges from decorative wall hangings to jewelry and everything in between! Making jewelry is another major passion of mine which I also inherited from my mother. Growing up she worked hard as a single mom at a full-time job, and created jewelry when she got home sometimes until past midnight. She would then sell the pieces to her coworkers and friends. Of course, I watched her and picked up a lot of techniques from her. I owe all of my creativity and knowledge to my mom! I now love combining fiber art with jewelry making and plan to explore more of that aspect in the new year.
Learn more about “Crafted by Annabel” on IG @craftedbyannabel or at her Etsy shop CraftedByAnnabel